Search

Woman allegedly murders great-aunt with spaghetti

Italian police are investigating the bizarre alleged murder of Maria Basso, 80. Paola Pepe, her young great-niece, was arrested for the alleged murder after she was believed to have force-fed Basso with spaghetti, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported. Basso was vulnerable to choking if she did not eat finely chopped or pureed food, despite this Pepe still took out her great-aunt for a meal in a Sicily restaurant in December 2022. She allegedly bought Basso spaghetti, and two days later her great-aunt was dead, after some of the pasta allegedly got lodged in her airways. Her death initially looked like an accident, until Italian police launched further investigations and found that Pepe had amended her great-aunt's will just two days before the meal. The Corriere della Sera reported Pepe had taken an unusual interest in her great-aunt's finances in the months leading up to her death after she had unexpectedly turned up during Basso's 80th birthday, and spent hours alone with her. Pepe eventually moved Basso to a care home 1300 kilometres away, without telling her close family members, and reportedly did not take any of Basso's medication or personal belongings to the new home. Police alleged that after isolating her great-aunt, she managed to convince Basso to change her will so that Pepe was named sole beneficiary of Basso's estate, which was worth $775,000. Basso initially intended to give her estate to a charity, as she had no children according to local media. Pepe has denied all accusations and was bailed, but is wearing a police ankle bracelet while waiting for her trial. Image: Strettoweb

Legal

Why this pilot was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder

An off-duty pilot, identified as Joseph David Emerson, has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder following an alleged attempt to crash an Alaska Airlines flight en route to San Francisco. The incident unfolded as Flight 2059, operated by Horizon Air, took off from Everett, Washington, shortly before 5:30pm local time on a seemingly routine Sunday evening. However, what transpired mid-flight left passengers and the aviation community in disbelief. Emerson, who was sitting in the cockpit's jump seat behind the captain and first officer, reportedly attempted to activate the jet's fire suppression system. This system, when triggered, would have closed a valve in the wing to cut off the flow of fuel to the engines. The consequences of such an act could have been catastrophic, potentially leading to a loss of engine power and a potentially fatal crash. The vigilant crew of Flight 2059, including the captain and first officer, quickly responded to subdue Emerson, preventing the activation of the fire suppression system. Their swift actions were pivotal in averting a potential disaster. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency diversion to Portland International Airport, where Emerson was taken into custody by the Port of Portland Police. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during this harrowing incident. The charges against Emerson are nothing short of severe. The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office has confirmed that he faces 83 counts of attempted murder in the first degree, 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person, and one count of endangering an aircraft in the first degree. Emerson is currently held in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Centre in Portland, Oregon, awaiting arraignment. The investigation into this troubling incident is ongoing, with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies collaborating to determine the motive behind Emerson's actions. When interviewed by police, Emerson said he had a “nervous breakdown” after not sleeping for 40 hours and stated he had taken psychedelic mushrooms for the first time. “I didn’t feel okay. It seemed like the pilots weren’t paying attention to what was going on. They didn’t … it didn’t seem right,” Emerson told police, according to an affidavit. The affidavit does not state whether Emerson was under the influence of the mushrooms while on the plane, but he later added: “I pulled both emergency shut off handles because I thought I was dreaming and I just wanna wake up.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also become involved in the case, supporting investigations into the incident. The Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) commended the flight crew for their swift response, emphasising the priority of safety for the flying public and crews. ALPA noted that the airline pilot profession is one of the most highly vetted and scrutinised careers, with pilots undergoing continuous evaluations throughout their careers through training and medical exams. Emerson's pilot certification, which was updated just last month, underscores the importance of self-reporting any mental health conditions for aviators. This aspect of the case will likely be closely examined as part of the ongoing investigation. In a statement, the Portland office of the FBI assured the traveling public that there is no continuing threat related to this incident. While the shocking episode has left many questions unanswered, it serves as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of flight crews in ensuring passenger safety, even in the face of such extraordinary challenges. Images: Facebook / FlightAware

Travel Trouble

Murder charge levelled at children's book author

Author Kouri Richins wrote a children’s book on grief following the death of her husband in 2022. She is now being charged with his murder. Richins was arrested on May 7 in Utah and is accused of charging documents of poisoning her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl at their home in Kamas, a small mountain town near Park City. Prosecutors allege Richins called authorities in the middle of the night in March 2022 to report that her husband, Eric Richins, was “cold to the touch”. The mum-of-three told authorities she had made her husband a mixed vodka drink to celebrate him selling a home and then went to soothe one of their children in their bedroom. She later returned and found her husband unresponsive, which prompted her to call 911. A medical examiner later found five times the lethal dosage of fentanyl in his system. Additionally, Richins is facing charges involving the alleged possession of GHB - a narcolepsy drug typically used in recreational settings, including at dance clubs. The charges, which are based on officers’ interactions with Richins that evening and the account of an “unnamed acquaintance” who claimed to have sold her the fentanyl, come two months after Richins appeared on local television to promote Are You With Me, a picture book she wrote to help children cope with the death of a loved one. For a segment called Good Things Utah, Richins referred to her husband’s death as unexpected and explained how it sent her and her three boys spiralling. In terms of children, she said, grieving was about “making sure that their spirit is always alive in your home”. “It’s ... explaining to my kid just because he’s not present here with us physically, doesn’t mean his presence isn’t here with us,” she told the reporters, who commended her for being an amazing mother. Richins’ lawyer, Sky Lazaro, declined to comment on the charges. Image credit: Instagram

Legal

Family Feud contestant charged with wife’s murder

A former contestant on Family Feud has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and home invasion over the death of his estranged wife. Timothy W. Bliefnick, 39, was charged on March 13 in relation to the suspicious death of his former spouse, Rebecca Bliefnick, 41, who was found dead in her home on February 23, according to court documents. Bliefnick appeared on the game show in January 2020, and host Steve Harvey asked him, “What’s the biggest mistake you made at your wedding?” “Honey, I love you, but, ‘said I do,’” he responded, prompting a mixed reaction from the audience. “Not my mistake, not my mistake," he continued. ”I love my wife. I'm gonna get in trouble for that, aren't I?" After Fox News Digital discovered the clip, Bliefnick’s attorney said, "It's a game show. A silly answer to a silly question on a silly show doesn't make one a murderer.” KHQA-TV reported that Bliefnick and his wife were married in 2009, but at the time of her death the pair were undergoing divorce proceedings after having been separated for “several years”. After the couple separated they filed restraining orders against each other. Bliefnick’s attorney Casey Schnack told E! News that he plans to plead not guilty at his next court hearing. Image credit: YouTube

Legal

“This is disgusting”: Mural for murdered women defaced with graffiti

A street artist has been captured painting over a mural depicting the names and photos of women murdered across Australia in acts of domestic violence. The mural, plastered on Melbourne’s famous Hosier Lane, depicts some of the almost 80 women killed since the start of 2023, and the locations they died around Australia. The mural also shows the alarming statistics of domestic violence across Australia in data compiled by The RED HEART Campaign - an ongoing memorial project dedicated to tracking the known women and children killed in acts of gendered violence. The mural was painted in the lane on International Women’s Day (March 8th), and was defaced just 10 days later. An unknown street artist was captured on video spray painting over the women’s faces, with the words “13 WOLF 69” covering most of the mural, as the beginning of a large orange text covering the southeast corner of the map. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> When murdered women are erased for the second time! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/femicide?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#femicide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shematters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shematters</a> <a href="https://t.co/TYpLQFmpCx">pic.twitter.com/TYpLQFmpCx</a> — Sherele Moody (Femicide Researcher) 🌈 (@ShereleMoody) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShereleMoody/status/1636880510269128705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> The video, posted by the campaign founder Sherele Moody, then pans slowly to capture the artist still spraying the wall with orange paint – what seem to be the finishing touches to the large piece that stretches for metres toward Flinders Street. “That’s more important, that’s lovely,” someone can be heard sarcastically saying in the footage. “That’s not even art!” Sherele captioned the video as an example of “when murdered women are erased for a second time”. “The dude could have moved his scribble a few feet and not painted over the faces of murdered women,” she added. “The Lane is pretty big – there’s room for all of us!” Supporters of the campaign immediately reacted in disgust to the “selfish, heartless artist”, with many saying the disregard for the mural really “hurts”. “What the actual f,” one woman wrote. “This is disgusting. This is about murdered women and a memorial. When did we become so disrespectful.” While most of the backlash was in support of the advocates, others questioned whether the artist was even aware of what he had done or was partially covering. Others simply said it was the harsh nature of Melbourne’s internationally renowned street art culture. Image credits: Twitter

Art

Murderer and Eric Clapton drummer dies at 77

Jim Gordon, an infamous session drummer from the ‘60s and ‘70s, has passed away at the age of 77. Gordon, who in his prime played with the likes of the Beach Boys and George Harrison, died in a psychiatric prison in California’s Vacaville. He had been sentenced to 16 years to life after killing his mother during a psychotic episode in 1983, and it is reported that he never attended parole hearings, or ever left prison. His publicist Bob Merlis confirmed the news in a statement, where he also explained that Gordon had died of natural causes. Gordon was born and raised in Los Angeles, and opted to pursue a career as a drummer while a teenager, even turning down a scholarship to UCLA. At just 17, he toured the United Kingdom with the Everly Brothers. His professional resume only grew from there, with Gordon going on to become on the primary drummers for George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass. Additionally, he contributed to songs by The Beach Boys on Pet Sounds, Cher, Nancy Sinatra, Judy Collins, and Bobby Darin. In 1970, he formed a group - Derek and the Dominos - with Eric Clapton. Together they wrote the hit ‘Layla’, with Gordon playing both piano and drums. Gordon’s girlfriend at the time, Rita singer Coolidge, claimed she had written the piano section. Gordon’s relationship with Coolidge ended when he physically assaulted her. As the years went by, Gordon developed issues with addiction, telling Rolling Stone in 1985 that he considered himself to be an alcoholic, and admitted to using heroin. By the late ‘70s, after he had confessed to hearing voices in his head, his mother had requested he seek help. “He used to talk to me about hearing voices,” Bobby Whitlock informed Rolling Stone in 2013, “but I told him that it was his consciousness speaking to him. He said it was someone else. Evidently he never stopped or even lightened up on his drug and alcohol intake. “The end result was the destruction of his family.” As Gordon’s mental health deteriorated, so did his career. He claimed to often hear his mum’s voice, and despite a number of medical interventions, he never maintained a consistent treatment schedule. And in June 1983, his mother paid the price, when Gordon fatally struck the 71-year-old Osa Marie Gordon with a hammer and knife. In the wake of her murder, Gordon was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and sentenced to his 16-years-to-life in prison. In 2018, he was deemed to still pose “an unreasonable risk of threat to public safety.” However, those who had known and worked with Gordon before the dark period of his life wanted to pay tribute to the late drummer, taking to social media to write of his professional success, citing some of his greatest hits and collaboration. Gordon’s publicist, Eric Alper, did so while confirming the news, adding that he “will be missed.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Jim Gordon, one of rock’s all-time greatest drummers, has died at the age of 77. Not only did he play in the Wrecking Crew, but also with Derek and the Dominos, Joe Cocker, Gordon Lightfoot, Merle Haggard, Joan Baez, Tom Petty, and hundreds of others, and will be missed. <a href="https://t.co/m3jP5LKaqB">pic.twitter.com/m3jP5LKaqB</a> — Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThatEricAlper/status/1636133384853282818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote> Eric Clapton’s ex-wife - Pattie Boyd - to whom he was married 10 years, paid her respects with a throwback picture of Gordon at a drum kit, writing that she was “sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Gordon.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Gordon. Some of you will know that Jim co-wrote 'Layla' with Eric when they were both in Derek & The Dominoes. Jim also worked with George on the 'All Things Must Pass' album. RIP <a href="https://t.co/83YPA664yt">pic.twitter.com/83YPA664yt</a> — Pattie Boyd (@thepattieboyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/thepattieboyd/status/1636388726850072576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2023</a></blockquote> Images: Twitter, Getty

Music

Police finally reveal motive behind murder of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay

Police have alleged that the two secret lover campers, Russel Hill and Carol Clay, were "childhood sweethearts" who had started their affair 15 years ago. In a summary of the case against Gregory Lynn, who allegedly killed the pair, police believe that Mr Hill and Ms Clay had rekindled their romance 15 years prior, and would go on regular camping trips to "spend time together". The pair allegedly drifted apart and had children with other partners, according to the documents provided to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Mr Hill was married to another woman for 51 years, and according to the police facts provided to the court, his wife believed that he had gone camping alone. “Those close to them believe that they kept their relationship a secret to spare Hill’s family from distress,” the police statement read. The pair had gone camping in Wonnangatta Valley on March 19 2020, and they vanished sometime after 6 pm the next day. Police alleged that Mr Lynn killed the pair after an altercation over a drone, with Mr Hill fatally stabbed and Ms Clay shot in the head. Police also believed that he returned to the area in May and November 2020 to try and "destroy" evidence by setting the pair's remains on fire. Their bodies were buried around 40km from the campsite in Dargo on November 2021. Mr Lynn was in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this week for a committal hearing to decide whether there is enough evidence for him to stand trial in the Supreme Court. Images: Victoria Police

News

Reward in mystery murder of billionaire couple tops $52 million

The deaths of Canadian billionaires Barry and Honey Sherman have been a mystery right from the start. On December 15, 2017, a realtor giving a tour of the couple's Toronto mansion around midday discovered their bodies, fully dressed, beside their indoor basement swimming pool. They were semi-seated side by side, with belts tied around their necks and attached to the railing of the indoor pool according to police. Barry Sherman was 75 and his wife Honey was 70. The story made headlines across the globe, as police called the deaths suspicious. Theories have swirled about who might have wanted to kill the founder of Canadian generic drug giant Apotex and his philanthropic wife – being one of Canada's richest couples. Investigators have worked to connect the dots however, five years later, no arrests have been made. On this week's anniversary of the killings, the Shermans' son offered an additional $25 million (A$37 million) for information leading to an arrest. The reward is now $52 million. "This week marks the five-year anniversary since my parents were murdered in their home. Every day since then has been a nightmare. I have been overwhelmed with pain, loss, and sorrow and these feelings only continuously compound," Jonathon Sherman said in a statement announcing the reward money. "Closure will not be possible until those responsible for this evil act are brought to justice," he added. The victims' prominence meant the case was high profile from the start. At the time of his death, Forbes estimated Barry was worth $4.5 billion. The Shermans' wealth, vast investments and philanthropy work saw them cross paths with Canada's business and political elites, their funeral was attended by thousands of people, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Kathleen Wynne, premier of the province of Ontario. At the service an emotional Jonathon Sherman took the stage, with his three sisters, and slammed speculation that their parents died by suicide. Police later concluded someone had killed them, only six weeks after the bodies were found, Toronto police announced a review of evidence showed they were victims of a homicide, saying they believed the couple was targeted. With no forced signs of entry to the property, it's possible someone had a key, had access to the lockbox that held the keys or was known to the couple, Gomes said. In 2021, police asked for help identifying a shadowy suspect. After years of silence, police made a shocking announcement on the fourth anniversary of the couple's deaths last year, sharing a video of a shadowy person caught on security video walking on the snow-covered sidewalks in the couple's North York neighborhood. The Sherman children say the lack of answers adds to their grief. It's been five years since the murders and there have been no major developments. True crime podcasts have even have tried to unravel intrigue surrounding the deaths. In a statement to the CBC, her brother, Jonathon Sherman, echoed the same sentiment, saying the family will never get closure until the killer is brought to justice. The siblings reminded the public of the $52 million in reward money and pleaded for anyone with information to contact the Toronto Police Service. Image: AP

Legal

Murder conviction overturned for podcast star

A US judge has overturned the high profile murder conviction of Adnan Syed, who served more that 20 years behind bars for the death of his ex-girlfriend. Th 42-year-old's case shot to fame when he became the subject of the Serial podcast, which went on to gain worldwide notoriety. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn vacated the conviction of Syed, who had been serving a life sentence since 2000 for the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee. Phinn ordered Syed to be immediately released on his own recognisance “in the interests of justice and fairness”. The body of Hae Min Lee was found buried in February 1999 in a shallow grave in the woods of Baltimore, Maryland, with the autopsy revealing the cause of death for the 18-year-old was strangulation. Throughout his multiple appeals of the guilty verdict, Syed maintained his innocence, while his appeals were continuously denied, including by the US Supreme Court which declined in 2019 to hear his case. In a surprising move last week, the Baltimore City state’s attorney, Marilyn Mosby, announced that she had asked a judge to vacate Syed’s conviction while a further investigation is carried out. Assistant state’s attorney Becky Feldman told the judge that the decision was prompted by the discovery of new information regarding two alternative suspects and the unreliability of mobile phone data used to convict Syed. “The state has lost confidence in the integrity of his conviction,” Feldman said. “We need to make sure we hold the correct person accountable. “We will be continuing our investigation,” she said, while promising to “do everything we can to bring justice to the Lee family.” Prosecutors now have 30 days to either bring new charges or dismiss the case. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Where the Crawdads Sing author wanted for questioning over murder

Legal

How to Murder Your Husband author sentenced to life in prison

The author who once penned an essay “How to Murder Your Husband” was sentenced to life in prison for murdering her husband at his workplace. Nancy Crampton Brophy, 71, was found guilty of second-degree murder for shooting dead her chef husband Daniel Brophy, 63, back in June 2018. Following the seven week trial, Nancy was sentenced to life in prison on June 13 and will only be eligible for parole after serving 25 years in custody. Prosecutors told the court that Crampton Brophy killed her husband to claim her husband’s $1.4 million life insurance policy. They said that she was collecting gun pieces in the moments leading to Daniel’s death before killing him at the Oregon Culinary Institute. Footage presented to the Multnomah County courtroom showed that Crampton Brophy in fact owned the same make and model of the gun that killed her husband. She was also seen driving to and from the culinary institute when Daniel was killed and found by his students. Her defence team argued that she was collecting them for a new book she was writing - about a woman who slowly collected gun parts to complete a weapon and get back at her abusive husband. They said that Crampton Brophy and Daniel were in a loving relationship for almost 25 years. The jury of five men and seven women deliberated the case for eight hours before delivering the guilty verdict. One of Crampton Brophy’s attorneys, Lisa Maxfield said they are looking to appeal. Crampton Brophy is due to be sentenced on June 13. Images: Twitter

Legal

Phonetap reveals shock claims in Chris Dawson murder trial

Chris Dawson’s twin brother has doubled down on claims that his brother’s school-aged lover “had more motive” to murder his wife Lynette, after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/bombshell-move-as-new-witnesses-emerge-in-chris-dawson-murder-trial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a phone tap</a> from 23 years ago was played in court. During his second day of testimony, Paul Dawson described his twin as the least violent man he’s ever met, with the Supreme Court hearing a secret phone tap of the pair talking after Paul was grilled by detectives over the 1982 disappearance of his sister-in-law, per <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/bombshell-claims-heard-on-phone-tap-played-at-chris-dawson-murder-trial/91605b36-4fac-4c07-81aa-1cd46be0475d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>. “He implied that something has happened to Lyn and you had motive,” Paul said in the recording from March 1999. “They think something has happened to Lyn and I had the motive and they are going to search the property and do all sorts of things. Oh well, good luck to them,” Chris replied. “If anyone had the motive, (JC) had more motive,” Paul said. “JC”, as she has been identified during the trial, was the Dawson’s babysitter and a highschool student of Chris’ before he began having an affair with her and later marrying her. The Crown alleges Chris murdered Lynette so he could have an “unfettered relationship” with JC. In court, Paul doubled down on his accusations against JC while being questioned by Crown Prosecutor Craig Everson SC. “If Lyn had been murdered, JC had the motive, JC had more to gain and JC did gain more than Chris ever gained from their relationship,” Paul said. He also recalled a conversation with Elva McBay, a now-deceased family friend, who told him JC had made a threat against Lynette at a birthday party. “JC just said if she got in her way… she’d get rid of her,” he claimed McBa said. The phone tap also included a conversation between Chris and Paul about where Lynette could be. “Either Lyn’s somewhere with a whole new life,” Paul said. “Yeah,” Chris replied. “Or something happened, I mean,” Paul continued. “I know,” Chris said. “She could be anywhere,” Paul said. Paul, who has said he is keeping an eye on media reports about the trial, has described the allegations that Chris was violent as “most outrageous”. He said that over the course of Chris and Lynette’s 17-year relationship he never even heard a derogatory comment. The trial continues under Justice Ian Harrison. Image: 9News

Legal

Bombshell move as new witnesses emerge in Chris Dawson murder trial

Prosecutors have revealed they have new witnesses who wanted to give evidence in the middle of the murder trial against former footy star Chris Dawson on the same day his twin brother and sister-in-law gave conflicting evidence. Marilyn Dawson, the sister-in-law to Lynette and Chris Dawson, told the court of a conversation the pair had just days before Lynette went missing, per the <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/chris-dawson-murder-trial-new-witnesses-want-to-give-evidence/news-story/d30f3224beef38a906159be367e8a0a4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Telegraph</a>. She recalled telling Lynette to “stand up and be counted” in an effort to save her marriage after JC, a school-aged babysitter, moved in as her husband’s lover. Marilyn, who married Chris Dawson’s twin brother Paul, described Lynette as strong and worldly but said she was “not coping” with the fact <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/chris-dawson-s-former-mistress-reveals-last-words-with-lynette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris was having an affair with JC</a>. “When I spoke to her in the car, I felt she was devastated and a bit flat and I think not coping,” Marilyn Dawson told the Supreme Court. She explained that Lynette was staying with relatives at times after JC moved into her and Chris’ Bayview home. “I said you need to stay at home because you don’t want this other person in your home unsupervised,” Marilyn Dawson continued. “I wanted her to stand up and be counted about her home and her children and her marriage. She was a strong girl, a very strong personality, a nurse. “I think she said in the end, I don’t know what to do. I’m bad, I’m devastated. I think she had a lot on her plate with two children and she couldn’t believe what was going on.” Chris Dawson has pleaded not guilty to murdering Lynette, who was 33 when she disappeared from their home in Sydney’s northern beaches. She was last seen on January 9, 1982. He claims Lynette had walked away from their marriage, leaving behind their two daughters. Marilyn also testified that Chris and JC had spent Christmas Day 1981 “in bed” at her and Paul’s home, which was a couple doors down from Lynette and Chris’ home. Crown prosecutor Craig Everson SC asked Marilyn: “Who was in your bed on Christmas Day 1981?” “Chris and JC I think because they asked could they stay at my home on Christmas Day,” she answered. She said she hadn’t told Lynette because “they asked me not to”. “I knew I wasn’t happy about it but I am not confrontational so I didn’t say anything because I felt torn between helping Chris and helping his family,” she said. But, when her husband took the stand and spoke about the same day, he told the court he had never discussed Christmas Day with Chris. When asked what they knew about the state of Lynette and Chris’ marriage at the end of 1981, Marilyn and Paul also gave conflicting evidence. Paul, who testified after his wife via AVL (audio visual links), said: “It was good. Chris was being very positive towards it and when I spoke to Lyn on Christmas Day, she was very positive towards it.” Mr Everson asked Paul who was there when he woke up on that Christmas Day, with Paul answering that it was just his wife, their three daughters, and himself. “Did you get any visitors that morning?” Mr Everson asked. “Not from my memory no,” Paul said. “What contact did you have with Chris on the day?” Mr Everson questioned. “I think he rang me to say he wouldn’t be joining us for Christmas. It’s very hard to remember a conversation from 40 years ago.” When asked how many times he had discussed the day with Chris, Paul said, “I can’t remember any at all.” In a bombshell revelation, Mr Everson told the court several people had come forward and given statements to police since <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/new-details-of-chris-dawson-trial-after-suppression-request-rejected" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the trial began on May 9</a>, foreshadowing legal arguments about whether the new evidence could be admitted while the trial was in progress. He also tendered an intercepted phone call between the brothers from March 16, 1999, which was due to be played on Thursday under Justice Ian Harrison. Images: 9News (Twitter)

Legal

“How to Murder Your Husband” author convicted for murdering husband

An author who wrote an essay about “How to Murder Your Husband” has been convicted of murdering her husband. Nancy Crampton Brophy, 71, was found guilty on Wednesday of second-degree murder for shooting dead her chef husband Daniel Brophy, 63, back in June 2018. Prosecutors told the court that Crampton Brophy killed her husband to claim her husband’s $1.4 million life insurance policy. They said that she was collecting gun pieces in the moments leading to Daniel’s death before killing him at the Oregon Culinary Institute. Footage presented to the Multnomah County courtroom showed that Crampton Brophy in fact owned the same make and model of the gun that killed her husband. She was also seen driving to and from the culinary institute when Daniel was killed and found by his students. Her defence team argued that she was collecting them for a new book she was writing - about a woman who slowly collected gun parts to complete a weapon and get back at her abusive husband. They said that Crampton Brophy and Daniel were in a loving relationship for almost 25 years. The jury of five men and seven women deliberated the case for eight hours before delivering the guily verdict. One of Crampton Brophy’s attorneys, Lisa Maxfield said they are looking to appeal. Crampton Brophy is due to be sentenced on June 13. Images: Twitter

Legal

Gabby Petito’s murder to be turned into a movie

The story of Gabby Petito’s disappearance and death looks set to be turned into a movie. Production company Lifetime has approved The Gabby Petito Story as part of their Stop Violence Against Women initiative. “The Gabby Petito Story will explore Gabby and her fiancé Brian Laundrie’s complicated relationship and what may have gone wrong during their cross-country trip that resulted in Gabby’s tragic murder,” a statement from Lifetime reads. Gabby’s story became a wild sensation after she disappeared on a trip with her fiance Brian Laundrie. The 22-year-old travel blogger was reported missing in September 2021 by her parents when she did not return from her trip with Brian. Her fans pored over her social media posts for clues as to what happened to her, which eventually led to the horror discovery of her dead body in Wyoming. The film is set to premiere later in the year, right around the one year anniversary of her disappearance. It will explore her tragic death and the warning signs of her toxic relationship with Brian who eventually committed suicide. Images: Instagram

Movies

Chris Dawson to stand trial over wife’s murder

Chris Dawson will face a criminal trial over the alleged murder of his wife on Sydney's Northern Beaches nearly 40 years ago. The former professional rugby league player and teacher is accused of killing his wife Lynette, then 33, following her sudden disappearance in 1982. The 73-year-old had already pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife, with his lawyers applying a special request to have the proceedings stopped. However, the High Court dismissed the application, with Dawson now due to stand trial on May 9 as a result. Dawson has long insisted that Lynette is in fact alive and that he did not murder her. Despite repeated excavations of the couple’s former home on the Northern Beaches, Lynette’s body was never found. The popular podcast The Teacher’s Pet, which had an impressive following nationally and worldwide, spoke in-depth about Lynette’s disappearance. The podcast had shed light on the case and in turn saw police re-open the case following pressure from the public – however, it has been removed from all public online sources in preparation for the trial ahead. Dawson was eventually arrested by Queensland Police on the Gold Coast in 2018. He remains in Queensland on bail awaiting his trial. Image: Nine News

Legal

Tributes flow for siblings named in suspected murder-suicide

Tributes are flowing for two young siblings who died in a suspected double murder-suicide by their mother in Perth. Abiyah, 10, and Aiden Selvan, eight, were found dead in the back seat of a car at John Graham Reserve in Coogee, west of the city, on Monday morning. Their heartbroken father had left for the US on Sunday and arrived back home in Perth on Wednesday after hearing the devastating news. Principal Bill Innes of Providence Christian College and students at the children’s school remembered the siblings with messages and flowers. “You can never prepare for something like this,” Principal Innes told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/wa/heartbreaking-tributes-flow-for-young-victims-abiyah-and-aiden-selvan-killed-in-suspected-coogee-murder-suicide-c-6081634" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. “We’re still numb, it’s still sinking in. To see those faces, it’s not easy.” A bulletin board was offered to the students to write their messages to Abiyah and Aiden. Abiyah was described as being the “brightest light of the world” from one of her fellow classmates. “Remember I always love you. It pains me to know I will never see you smile, touch you, laugh with you, and even wave to you,” another of her friends wrote. “Your secrets! Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone in honour of you. I will never forget you. See you in heaven,” another student wrote. A message dedicated to Aiden simply read, “I will miss you.” Tsaparah Tabernacle, the church the family attended was in a “state of shock” when news spread of the suspected double murder-suicide. “We don’t have an understanding of what’s going on, we are puzzled and completely shocked at this stage,” a church spokesman told <a href="https://thewest.com.au/news/crime/coogee-car-fire-neighbours-reveal-details-of-mum-children-killed-in-suspected-murder-suicide--c-6065373" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The West Australian</a>. The homicide investigation continues. Images: Nine News

News

How an unsolved murder could shed light on an infamous art heist

In the early hours of March 18th 1990, 13 artworks by renowned artists such as Vermeer and Rembrandt were stolen from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Collectively valued at $500 million, the artworks were never recovered as investigators failed to pin down one key suspect after the theft. But now, over 30 years on, an unsolved murder of a man in 1991 has given police a new angle on what happened to the art. Jimmy Marks was shot twice on February 20th, the year after the heist, outside his apartment in Massachusetts: 25 minutes northeast of Boston. Jimmy’s murder remains unsolved, and there has not been an arrest made in connection with the high-profile case. Marks was a convicted bank robber and an associate of Robert Guarente, who has long been a person of interest in the case, and who died in 2004. Guarente had been with Marks earlier in the day of his death and is suspected of having been the one to pull the trigger on Marks. “[Marks] had connections to subjects suspected of being involved in the Gardner museum heist,” deputy police chief Mark O’Toole of the city of Lynn, Massachusetts, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/27/metro/investigators-suspect-link-between-gardner-museum-heist-an-execution-style-murder-lynn/">told</a> the Boston Globe. “We don’t know what, if any, role he had. But very likely it was related [to his death].” Investigators believe that Guarente was once in possession of two of the stolen works, which he then handed over to another accomplice named Robert Gentile, who died in 2001. A recent tip to investigators said that prior to his death, Marks “was bragging that he was not only in possession of some of the stolen Gardner artwork, he bragged that he had hidden it,” according to Boston 25. Police recently searched the Lynn apartment where Marks once lived, but did not recover anything. Gardner Museum Security Chief Anthony Amore said that the new evidence “needs to be investigated more thoroughly”, as investigators continue their efforts to recover the paintings. Shortly after Marks’ death, investigators first were able to place Guarente and Gentile in the same place. Amore told Boston 25, “The fact that these people converge here around the time of the Marks homicide certainly makes a person hunting for the Gardner paintings sit up and pay attention.” Image credits: Getty Images

Art

Man admits to wife’s murder after 13 YEARS of denial

Content warning: This story contains mentions of domestic violence and assault. A New Zealand man who has denied murdering his wife for almost 13 years has stunned the victim’s family and the Parole Board by admitting he deliberately shot her at close range. Helen Meads was working in the stables at the property she shared with her husband Greg on September 23, 2009, when she was shot by him. She had been chatting with a friend on the phone and had said goodbye just seconds before she died. It was also four days after she told Mr Meads she wanted to end their 12-year marriage that had been punctuated by acts of domestic violence. When he confronted her and took her life, their three children and her parents were left devastated. Mr Meads pleaded not guilty to murder, saying he had accidentally pulled the trigger and that a conviction of manslaughter would be more appropriate. The jury rejected his claim and convicted him of murder, for which he received a life sentence with a minimum of 11 years before he would be eligible for parole. When he came up for parole last year, the Board refused to release him early as they felt Mr Meads - who still claimed he wasn’t guilty - was still a risk to the public. Mr Meads appeared before the Parole Board again on Tuesday, as reported by the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/it-was-a-deliberate-act-i-killed-helen-after-13-years-of-untruths-and-lies-matamata-horse-breeder-admits-murdering-wife/T2AJE2JUV5V76QHRODR2234MOA/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>. After talking in circles and being told to speak directly by board members, he finally had a clear answer. “I killed Helen, I was the person who pulled the trigger and I am fully responsible for her death,” he said. “Yes it was a deliberate act, I raised the gun and I pulled the trigger.” Mr Meads also admitted to physically assaulting Helen and being abusive during their marriage. He initially claimed that the change to his story came after he had “quite a lot of time to go through the incident” on his own and with his psychiatrist. “What brought about this change?” Parole Board chairman Sir Ron Young probed. “You’ve told untruths for 13 years, why should we rely on what you’re telling us now when for the past 13 years it’s been a lie? “You didn’t wake up this morning and go ‘oh, that’s right, I pulled the trigger’.” Mr Meads claimed he had “probably avoided” revisiting the moment until the night before the hearing. “I have come to terms with the fact that when I had my hand on the gun it was a voluntary act and I’ve pulled the trigger,” he suggested. “It’s not an accident, I admit that now. It is a change. “I think it was deliberate that I grabbed the trigger and that was the end of Helen’s life.” When pressed by the board, Mr Meads conceded he hadn’t discussed the matter in depth with his psychiatrist and that he had decided to take responsibility within the past 12-24 hours. Sir Ron said it was “worrying” that his admission was so sudden and “expressed concern about the genuineness” of it. “But if it is [genuine], good on you,” he said. “It is a very serious charge, but assuming it is genuine, it’s a positive change.” After speaking with Mr Mead for half an hour, during which time he shared his safety plan that failed to mention how he would cope around firearms, the board said it was clear he wasn’t ready to be released. Sir Ron said Mr Mead’s new admission signified that he had much more work to do with his psychiatrist and on his safety plan. He was refused parole and will not appear before the board again until April 2023. Image: New Zealand Herald

Legal

Father’s chilling photo taken just days before murder-suicide

Just days before a brutal attack on his two children, Perth dad Indika Gunathilaka shared a gushing music video about his daughter. Police believe the 40-year-old man murdered his four-year-old daughter Lily and six-year-old son Kohan in their beds before taking his own life in the garage of their home.After the family failed to attend a meeting with the kids' mother, the authorities were alerted and rushed to their home on Friday evening. Since the tragedy, a music video Indika created and filmed for his daughter has emerged. The video shows clips of the father and daughter laughing on the couch together, as well as images of Indika singing on a cliffside. In the chilling footage, Mr Gunathilaka described Lily as a “bossy pants” and said all he wanted for her was “happiness”, even when he is “worm feed”. “I don’t love you more than your brother but it’s true what people say, there is something about a daughter that a father could never fray,” the dad sings. “One look from you is all I need to turn gloom into glee, remember that I loved you before our first meet.”The video was filmed in 2019 and have racked up over 50,000 views since the devastating incident on Friday. Just two days before the deaths, Indika shared a photo on Facebook of him with his two children, all holding hands as they look over the beach with their backs to the camera.One close friend commented on the image, "Indika I know why you posted this picture to say you were leaving with the kids."WA Police assistant commissioner Allan Adams said they have started their investigation into the incident, and do not believe any other person was involved. “The exact cause of death and the circumstances will be thoroughly investigated and this will take some time but I tell you at this stage, we are treating this incident as a double murder suicide,” he said.Image credits: Facebook

News

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Woman allegedly murders great-aunt with spaghetti

Why this pilot was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder

Murder charge levelled at children's book author

Family Feud contestant charged with wife’s murder

“This is disgusting”: Mural for murdered women defaced with graffiti

Murderer and Eric Clapton drummer dies at 77

Police finally reveal motive behind murder of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay

Reward in mystery murder of billionaire couple tops $52 million

Murder conviction overturned for podcast star

Where the Crawdads Sing author wanted for questioning over murder

How to Murder Your Husband author sentenced to life in prison

Phonetap reveals shock claims in Chris Dawson murder trial

Bombshell move as new witnesses emerge in Chris Dawson murder trial

“How to Murder Your Husband” author convicted for murdering husband

Gabby Petito’s murder to be turned into a movie

Chris Dawson to stand trial over wife’s murder

Tributes flow for siblings named in suspected murder-suicide

How an unsolved murder could shed light on an infamous art heist

Man admits to wife’s murder after 13 YEARS of denial

Father’s chilling photo taken just days before murder-suicide

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Woman allegedly murders great-aunt with spaghetti

Why this pilot was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder

Murder charge levelled at children's book author

Family Feud contestant charged with wife’s murder

“This is disgusting”: Mural for murdered women defaced with graffiti

Murderer and Eric Clapton drummer dies at 77

Police finally reveal motive behind murder of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay

Reward in mystery murder of billionaire couple tops $52 million

Murder conviction overturned for podcast star

Where the Crawdads Sing ﻿author wanted for questioning over murder

How to Murder Your Husband author sentenced to life in prison

Phonetap reveals shock claims in Chris Dawson murder trial

Bombshell move as new witnesses emerge in Chris Dawson murder trial

“How to Murder Your Husband” author convicted for murdering husband

Gabby Petito’s murder to be turned into a movie

Chris Dawson to stand trial over wife’s murder

Tributes flow for siblings named in suspected murder-suicide

How an unsolved murder could shed light on an infamous art heist

Man admits to wife’s murder after 13 YEARS of denial

Father’s chilling photo taken just days before murder-suicide

Join Over60

Where the Crawdads Sing author wanted for questioning over murder